Meet the Breeds Celebrates Hundreds of Cats and Dogs

Exhibitors play with their Pumi dog during the 2013 AKC Meet the Breeds. The event is the world's largest gathering of dogs and cats, featuring more than 200 dog and cat breeds.

Every year, New York City plays host to more than 200 dogs and cats at Meet the Breeds. The American Kennel Club and The International Cat Association hosted the fifth annual Meet the Breeds event this weekend at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. It’s the world’s largest showcase of dogs and cats, offering the public an opportunity to get up close to a variety of breeds. They can ask owners and responsible breeders questions and interact with the animals to find the right fit for them. Demonstration rings show off breeds’ agility and obedience while vendors offer a number of unique pet products.

But the biggest draw would probably be the official booths where cat and dog lovers can get close to the animals and learn more about each specific breed. The booths are run by breed organizations and are manned by knowledgeable members who can answer questions about grooming, nutrition and more.

Meet the Maltese

The American Maltese Association (AMA) prepped the Maltese booth at this past weekend’s Meet the Breeds. Clif Raita, a makeup artist for Tom Ford at Bergdorf Goodman, is a longtime member of the association and manned the booth on Sunday. Raita used to breed and show Maltese in the 1980s and now has a finished champion. This was the second year in a row that Raita was asked to represent the breed at Meet the Breeds.

“It is so much fun; it’s great for families and everybody. Not only do we educate you in the merits of individual kennel club breeds but also in obedience, agility and how the dogs can work in therapy situations. It’s incredible,” Raita says.

In preparing the booth, the association made sure to have information on hand about breed standards for any interested visitors, as well as AMA literature and a list of breeders they referred people to if they were interested in getting a Maltese.

An owner prepares her cat for the feline and canine fashion show that takes place during the AKC event.

Bonnie Biess for Vetstreet

To pay homage to Toto, the Cairn Terrier breed group dressed as the cast of The Wizard of Oz. Andy, the Cowardly Lion, poses with Cairn Terrier Hortence. Also present were Dorothy and the Wicked Witch.

Bonnie Biess for Vetstreet

This social cat greets attendees during the AKC Meet the Breeds event at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Bonnie Biess for Vetstreet

Exhibitor Celeste Johnson poses with her dog, Suki, at the Saluki breed booth. The Saluki is a truly ancient hound.

Bonnie Biess for Vetstreet

Ada Nieves prepares her Chihuahuas, Manhattan and Mojito, to walk the runway.

Bonnie Biess for Vetstreet

Andrew Bartlin gets a loving look from a Brussels Griffon during the AKC Meet the Breeds event.

Bonnie Biess for Vetstreet

Cat fashion designer Catherine Golden of Golden Couture prepares to present for "Meet," the feline and canine fashion show during the AKC Meet the Breeds event.